Azmin wants alternatives to full economic shutdown considered

 

International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali today acknowledged calls for a full economic shutdown but said alternatives should also be considered.

He pointed out after the first movement control order (MCO 1.0) in March last year, it would take another quarter before the country will return to growth.

"It would take an extended period of time before the economy can actually pick up to show positive growth after the lifting of an MCO.

"Hence, the notion that the economy can revive instantaneously after a lockdown has been lifted has no real basis," he said in a statement.

Azmin said the fact is that the economy does not run on a "switch off-switch on" mode.

"In this regard, recent calls to re-impose a total lockdown in order to deal with the massive spikes in the number of infections attendant on this third wave must be viewed along with other suggestions concerning alternative strategies and options," he added.

The senior minister said among the alternatives include a tightening of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) including clear guidelines on the number of people allowed in indoor premises.

"Additionally, we could step up targeted testing as well as regulate the costs of RTK-Antigen test kits to make Covid-19 testing more affordable and on a larger scale, particularly for industries.

"It has also been suggested that SOPs for social events can be tightened while a full ban on interstate travel should be imposed for the interim," he added.

Azmin's call came a day after an informal discussion between his ministry and the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Eurocham Malaysia) was leaked.

Eurocham Malaysia, which had relayed the contents of the discussion to its members in a circular that was subsequently leaked, revealed that the Health Ministry had made a "clear stand on the matter of a complete shutdown of the economy".

This was amid daily Covid-19 cases stubbornly remaining at the 3,000 range despite the MCO 2.0 since Jan 13.

Azmin said the call is for businesses to open on the condition of full compliance with stricter SOPs.

"It is important to note that apart from the toll on health and the economy, Covid-19 has a direct impact on the people.

"One loss in income affects the whole household. In practical terms, the loss of income for one breadwinner may well adversely affect the livelihoods of at least four persons in a family," he said.

He added that in the effort to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, there have also been a host of unintended economic consequences including the "debilitating" impact on the country's gross domestic product.

Azmin said his ministry also acknowledges the strong support and collaboration by the industry stakeholders and people to ensure economic recovery and sustainability. - Mkini